Benefits of coconut oil for midlife skin

My grandmother, who lived to be 101 (yes, you read right!), used coconut oil when she was younger, to enhance her beauty and improve her overall health. In my fifties, I’m following suit. Coconut oil is multipurpose, natural, and has no added chemicals. Coconut oil has been used for centuries in tropical countries. It’s as simple as going back to what people used to do before chemicals made their way into sophisticated skin and hair-care products.

The best variety is organic virgin coconut oil because it is produced from organic coconuts using organic methods. Following are some ways you can benefit from this affordable and natural substance.

Conditioning balm: To condition hair, heat one or two tablespoons of the oil and rub over your tresses and scalp. Wrap a warm towel and keep it on overnight or for a few hours. Rinse and follow with your usual hair care regimen.

Dandruff: For dandruff prevention use weekly. Massage the oil into your scalp. Keep on for a couple of hours or overnight as above.

Shine: After drying your hair, add shine by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil lightly on your hair, avoiding roots so as not to make them appear oily.

To keep lice at bay: Works well as a head lice treatment, killing lice and preventing eggs (nits) from hatching.

Coconut oil for face and bodyFacial and body moisturizer: Coconut oil has antioxidant properties comparable to vitamin E, making it a great moisturizer. It is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and may help with eczema.

Application: Heat half a cup of coconut oil and apply lightly all over your skin.

Shaving: Since the oil is light, it makes shaving a breeze. Lips: Apply on chapped lips, as you would any lip balm.

Makeup remover: Removes oil based makeup. As any facial cleanser, rub liquefied oil over face and wash then remove with water and a clean towel.

Lubricant: It’s said to be better than commercial lube, but beware, it can damage condoms depending on what they’re made of.

Cuticle oil: Apply heated oil to cuticles to soften and remove. This will also moisturize that delicate skin area.

Bath oil: To soften your skin, drop two or three spoonfuls of coconut oil in your bath. The aroma is soothing and relaxing as well.

Added benefits

You will be saving time and money by not using so many different products.

You will be contributing to the betterment of the environment by using fewer products.

Organic coconut oil is not animal tested!

Note: You can liquefy the coconut oil using the stove, microwave or simply by placing it in a bowl in a sink filled halfway with warm/hot water.

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Laura Carbonell is a bilingual and bicultural language teacher in San Francisco, the place she calls home. Born into a family of writers, she enjoys sharing her vision of empowerment and motivation online. She blogs at Onlifeandhope.com